Every year, as winter’s chill lingers and spring beckons, an unmistakable tradition sweeps across America: Girl Scout cookie season. For 2026, the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) are not only bringing back their beloved classics, but they’ve also stirred excitement with the introduction of a brand-new flavor—Exploremores. This year’s season, stretching nationally from January through April, promises more than just treats; it’s about history, community, and the empowerment of young entrepreneurs.
Since its humble beginnings in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1917, when the Mistletoe Troop baked sugar cookies with their mothers to support troop activities, Girl Scout cookie sales have become a nationwide phenomenon. According to The Oklahoman, that grassroots effort quickly spread, leading to the first large-scale commercial sale in Philadelphia in 1934. By 1936, GSUSA was licensing commercial bakers, laying the foundation for the annual cookie season we know today.
Fast forward to 2026, and the cookie lineup is more diverse—and delicious—than ever. The star addition, Exploremores, is a rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie filled with chocolate, marshmallow, and almond-flavored creme. As Wendy Lou, the executive overseeing the cookie program at GSUSA, shared in a statement reported by USA Today, “We’re thrilled to introduce the new, delicious Exploremores™ cookie to the iconic cookie lineup people know and love.” She emphasized the broader impact of each purchase: “With every purchase, consumers directly support local Girl Scouts’ abilities to explore more opportunities in STEM, the outdoors and more.”
But Exploremores isn’t the only option tempting cookie fans this season. The 2026 lineup features eleven flavors, each with its own devoted following. Alongside Exploremores, customers can enjoy Adventurefuls (brownie-inspired cookies topped with caramel-flavored crème and sea salt), Caramel Chocolate Chip (gluten-free and chewy, with caramel and chocolate chips), Caramel deLites or Samoas (crisp cookies with caramel, coconut, and chocolatey stripes), Peanut Butter Sandwich or Do-si-dos (vegan, crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with peanut butter filling), Lemonades (vegan, shortbread cookies with tangy lemon-flavored icing), Lemon-Ups (lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages), Peanut Butter Patties or Tagalongs (crispy cookies with peanut butter and chocolate coating), Thin Mints (vegan, crisp chocolate cookies with mint coating), Toffee-tastic (gluten-free, buttery cookies with toffee bits), and Trefoils (shortbread cookies inspired by the original recipe). All flavors are certified Kosher and Halal, ensuring broad accessibility, according to The Oklahoman.
Cookie fans may notice two notable absences from the menu: Toast-Yay! and S’mores, both discontinued at the end of the 2025 season. While some may mourn their loss, the excitement for Exploremores—and the enduring favorites—remains palpable.
So, how does one get their hands on a box (or three) of these treats? The process is as simple as ever, but timing and availability can vary by region. Nationally, the season runs from January through April, but local councils set their own schedules. According to USA Today, customers can check for local sale dates and locations by visiting girlscoutcookies.org, using the Cookie Finder tool, or contacting their local council. For those who know a Girl Scout, a direct purchase is always an option. And for the digitally inclined, online orders are just a click away.
Taking Oklahoma as an example, the 2026 season there follows a detailed timeline. Online sales kicked off on January 6, with both the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma and Western Oklahoma councils receiving their cookies by January 31. Booth sales began on February 7 in Western Oklahoma and February 13 in Eastern Oklahoma, with the season wrapping up on March 22. Booths are a familiar sight outside major retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, and at malls such as Penn Square and Quail Springs, as reported by The Oklahoman.
Behind each box of cookies is a mission that goes far beyond fundraising. Proceeds from cookie sales stay with local troops and councils, funding “life-changing programs, experiences and learnings” year-round, according to GSUSA. These range from outdoor adventures and STEM projects to community service and leadership development. Melissa Bogle, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, captured this sentiment in a news release: “With every box of Girl Scout cookies you buy, you’re helping girls build confidence, learn real-world skills, and providing them with funds to support their adventures, whether it be a troop outing, attending camp, or building a robot.”
For the girls themselves, the cookie program is a hands-on lesson in entrepreneurship. Scouts earn badges like My First Cookie Business, My Cookie Customer, and My Cookie Team, each reflecting skills learned in sales, customer service, and teamwork. As USA Today noted, these experiences help shape “brighter futures” for participants, giving them tools and confidence that last well beyond cookie season.
This year, GSUSA is also partnering with Adobe, a national sponsor of the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program. The collaboration aims to further enhance the entrepreneurial and digital skills of Girl Scouts, preparing them for a rapidly changing world. While the details of this partnership haven’t been fully disclosed, the move underscores GSUSA’s commitment to evolving with the times and equipping girls with relevant, future-ready skills.
For those eager to support their local troop but unsure where to start, GSUSA has made it easier than ever. From the Cookie Finder tool to text updates (simply text COOKIES to 59618 for news), technology is making the tradition more accessible. And, as always, if you spot a booth outside your local store, you’re just steps away from supporting a century-old tradition—and enjoying a tasty treat.
As cookie season unfolds, it’s not just about the snacks. It’s about community, empowerment, and the enduring spirit of exploration that the new Exploremores cookie so aptly represents. Whether you’re a Thin Mints loyalist, a fan of the new rocky road-inspired flavor, or someone simply eager to support the next generation of leaders, there’s never been a better time to indulge—and invest—in Girl Scouts.
With every box sold, a legacy continues, and the future looks a little brighter (and sweeter) for girls across the country.
